In the early hours of this morning, we were not only saying goodbye to a terrible month of storms. This time, the full moon was visible above the horizon, and those in the know woke up to observe an unusual alignment of several planets. It was the first night I sensed the still timid scent of blossoms that began flowering just a few days ago.

I regularly receive visits from two friendly cats who are already part of the family: Zorro and Baunilha. They are inseparable friends and play every day in a creative performance that makes me laugh. Along with them — but only at later hours — a hedgehog is also a frequent visitor, delighting in the leftover kibble or the food I leave out before going to bed. Sometimes there are two. I have even seen them inside the same bowl sharing the meal.

THE MATING OF HEDGEHOGS

But around midnight I was surprised by repeated huffing sounds that would not stop. I managed to prepare the camera in time to film. The male and the female began a courtship dance I had never seen before — the hedgehogs’ mating ritual. Apparently, however, the female was not yet very receptive to the male’s advances. Mating does not seem to have taken place. I will stay alert for the next chapter. And I wait in anticipation that, in just over a month, I may begin to receive visits from the offspring that now seem to be on their way.